Smith, William_”Pete”

William A. “Pete” Smith

William “Pete” Smith made his mark in athletics, and on Lorain’s youth and community, in a variety of positive ways throughout his lifetime.

As a student at Lorain High School, 1921-1924, he contributed significantly to the football team as a featured single-wing fullback, and was named to the First Team All-Big Seven Conference in 1923.

In college at Baldwin-Wallace, he was an outstanding three-year back, 1926-1928, leading the Yellow Jackets to winning seasons. His performance gained him honorable mention on the All-Ohio Mythical Eleven Team in 1928. He also played baseball for B-W, 1926-1928. His accomplishments in baseball and football later earned him the honor of being inducted into the Baldwin-Wallace Athletic Hall of Fame in 1971. In addition, he demonstrated his leadership in college, serving as class president his senior year.

Upon graduation, Mr. Smith returned to Lorain as a school teacher. In addition, he served as an assistant coach on the football and basketball coaching staffs; and served as the Director of Intramural Athletics. He also served the City of Lorain as the Recreation Director for community sports activities.

Continuing his athletic skills, he developed a reputation as an outstanding bowler. It was relatively common for him to roll a 600 series. He served as president of the Lorain USBC Bowling Association in 1944-45.

In the classroom, Mr. Smith was known for teaching with passion, personality and dedication. His students were required to be able to recite his list of “Stepping Stones” as a guide to life. One of those “Stepping Stones” was, “the purpose of education was to overcome ignorance with intelligence and fear with self-confidence.”

In sports, and in life, William “Pete” Smith was a winning role model for the thousands of students who were positively influenced by his outstanding teaching career.

Lorain Sports Hall of Fame Museum is open to the public, free of charge, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., during the school year and in the evening during special sporting events at the school. The museum is located next to the entrance of the Lorain High School Athletics Center, near the parking lot off of Pole Avenue.